><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 6 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What was God's purpose in giving the law, and what was the primary duty of the Israelite? What was he to do, and what was he to beware and not to do? 2) Vs 10-15 concern forgetfulness of God in a time of prosperity. What ways of guarding against this danger can be found either explicit of implicit in this passage? 3) What insight is given in this chapter into the necessity and method of family religion? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 6 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Be careful that you do not forget the Lord (v12)...when your house is full of good things, when you eat and are satisfied, etc., Verses 4-9 are known as "Shema", Hebrew for "Hear". It is the Jewish confession of faith, prayed daily by some (NIV Study Bible). The key messages: v4: The Lord our God is ONE (Israelites one God vs. idols) v5: Love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. v6: Commandments to be upon your hearts. v7: Pass them on to children, remember them always, daily. v8: Use special ways to keep remembering these commands. Visual reminders. v9: Declare and express your devotion to the Lord by writing them on doorframes and gates. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 6 The Triune God Deut. 6:4 "Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, The Lord is one! (echad)" Gen. 2:24 "--- leave his father --- cleave to his wife; --- become one (echad) flesh." Gen. 1:1 "In the beginning God (Elohim) created ---" This name is plural in form but is joined to a singular verb. Gen. 1:26 "--- Let us make man in our image. ----" Isaiah 6:8 " --- who will go for us?" Psalm 110:1 "The Lord (Father God) said to my Lord (Christ) ---." John 14:16-17 "And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; +that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you." I John 4:10 "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." II Corinthians 13:14 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, And the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, With you all." The Trinity is a difficult teaching. Israelites do not believe in Jesus because they are told in Deuteronomy 6:4 that "the Lord is one!" The above verses are listed for your information as references for what we believe in. Some background information are obtained from Willmington's Guide to the Bible. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) This chapter presents us with the first and greatest command to the Israelite. 4 ¶ "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Jesus later in the NT in Matthew repeats this for us, with a slight twist of mind, not might. Matt 22:37 also Mark 12:30 37 And He said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' Verse 6-9 tells us: 6 "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. The Israelites practiced this by the wearing of phylacteries, and the mexuxah box on the door(small metal box with the Shema(v5) written on a paper inside it). 2) Verses 10-15 remind us that it is important NOT to forget God when things are going well. When we have houses(shelter - protection), our cisterns are full (water - satisfaction), we have vineyards (wine - representing Joy), and olive trees(oil - representing richness). It is in these times that it is easy for us to forget the source of this prosperity, but we must constantly give thanks to God for his rich blessing upon us. 3) v20-25 tells of the passing on of the traditions to the next generation. God wants us to let our families know about Him, and to have them observe His commandments too. 25 "It will be righteousness for us if we are careful to observe all this commandment before the LORD our God, just as He commanded us. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 7 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) In what four ways were the Israelites to deal with the idolatrous inhabitants of Canaan(v1-5)? What points regarding the Christian's duty of separation from sin and the world do they illustrate? Cf Eph 5:11;2Cor 6:14-18;1Jn 5:21 2) In vs6-11 what three reasons does God give the people for this drastic attitude? What NT principles correspond to this? Cf 1Pet 1:15,16; 2:9-12 3) In vs 12-16 what 3 blessings does God promise will attend the faithful pursuit of this policy? What blessings are promised in the NT to the Christian who practices spiritual separation? Cf 2 Cor 6:17,18;1Jn 2:15-17. 4) In vs 18-26 how does God answer their question of v17? What does this teach about the power given to the Christian to 'be separate'? Cf 2 Cor 2:14-16; Jn 16:33; Rom 5:10; 1Jn 5:4. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 7 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The Israelites were to make no treaty with Canaanites, not intermarry, destroy and burn idols,etc., v17 also says, "You may say to yourselves, "These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out? But DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEM; REMEMBER WELL WHAT THE LORD YOUR GOD DID TO PHARAOH AND TO ALL EGYPT." It is a reminder that when we follow and obey the Lord, He will wipe out all our enemies and help us with our challenges in life. Is there something you are saying - it's too big, too hard - the obstacles are too high or the enemy is too strong? REMEMBER WELL WHAT THE LORD DID, even for the children of Israel who were rebellious and disobedient at times. He can do the same for us. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 7 To Conquer the Promised Land The topic of Moses' second sermon in Deuteronomy is WHAT DOES GOD EXPECT OF ISRAEL? This subject is given in Chapters 5 through 26: Obey His Commandments, Chapter 5; Teach the Law, Chapter 6; Conquer the Promised Land, Chapter 7. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses prepared the Israelites for their settled life in the land of Canaan. It is in one sense a review of the Law. Meanwhile, it is also a challenge for occupying the promised land. In God's plan, the everlasting kingdom has a constitution of 10 commandments in the land where Messiah comes out from. This land is the origin that God would show His faithfulness, to keep His promises, for a thousand generations, with those who love Him and keep His commandments, Deuteronomy 7:9. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In v1-5 the children of Israel are commanded to: defeat, utterly destroy, make no covenant with them, and show no favor to them. They are also told not to intermarry and to tear down the altars and sacred places. This illustrates for us the concept of being in the world but not of it. We too are to defeat the 'world'(sin and Satan's power) so much so that there is nothing left in our lives. We are to make no covenant with the world and show no favor to it. We are also not to join ourselves with the world(intermarry). We should not keep the idols or altars or serve other gods that the world presents to us(money,power,etc). 2Cor 6:14-18 tells us: 14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 17 "Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. 18 "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty. 2) God tells the people the reasons for this attitude. The reasons are: they are a holy people, they are a chosen people, and because the Lord loved them. 1 Peter 1:15,16 shows us the NT correspondence. 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." 2:9-12 says: 9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. 11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation. 3) Those who are faithful are promised: God will keep His covenant with them, He will multiply them, and He will deliver them from their enemies. To the NT Christian the promises are found in 2 Cor 6:17,18 17 "Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. 18 "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty. 4) Verse 21 answers perfectly the fear of the Children of Israel in v17. 21 "You shall not dread them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God. May we live OUR lives knowing that the Lord is in our midst as found in the NT in 1John 5:4 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 8 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What 3fold purpose did God have in leading Israel through the experiences of the wilderness? How did our Lord apply v3b to His own case in Mt 4:4? With v5 cf also Heb 12:7,10,11. 2) In days of prosperity what subtle danger would beset them, and how were they to guard against it? Compare the advice which Barnabas gave to the church in Antioch(Acts 11:23b). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 8 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The Lord brought them through the wilderness to humble them and test them. To be sure they would be obedient. He allowed them to hunger (we also will face hard times), then fed them manna (but God provides all our needs). v4, "Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years." It shows that the Lord was mindful not to overburden His people, and He still is. The main theme is to Remember the Lord! He will carry us through every trial and tribulation to bring us into the promised land. He makes no promise to never give us hardships, but says that He will lead us through. II Cor. 4:17-18, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an ETERNAL GLORY that FAR OUTWEIGHS THEM ALL. SO WE FIX OUR EYES NOT ON WHAT IS SEEN, BUT ON WHAT IS UNSEEN. FOR WHAT IS SEEN IS TEMPORARY, BUT WHAT IS UNSEEN IS ETERNAL." -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 8 Testing and Remembering In the wilderness, God tested Israelites for 40 years for them to remember to know what was in their hearts to keep His commandments or not, 8:2. "Thus you are to know in your heart that the Lord your God was disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son." 8:5. "For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He scourges every son whom He receives." Hebrews 12:6. "For they (fathers) disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, THAT WE MAY SHARE HIS HOLINESS." Hebrews 12:10. God tests and disciplines us to confirm the strength of our faith and the sincerity of our commitments. After the testing, "--- to do good for you in the end. +Otherwise, you may say in your heart, My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth. +But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is GIVING you power to MAKE wealth, ---." Deut. 8:16b-18a. This verse shows that it is not the strength of our hands to make us wealthy - It is God who GIVES us the power to MAKE/EARN our wealth. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) God led Israel through the wilderness to humble them, test them, and see what was in their hearts. 3 "He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD. Jesus applied this to Himself in Mt4:4. v5,6 tells us: 5 "Thus you are to know in your heart that the LORD your God was disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son. 6 "Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him. Heb 12:7 explains the reason for discipline. 7 It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. 11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. 2) In the days of prosperity Moses warned in v11 not to forget the Lord and become prideful. The people were to guard against it by remembering the Lord always. Acts 11:23b shows Barnabas giving the early church that same type of advice: 23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; May each of us remain true to the Lord and never forget what He has done in our lives. As I write this morning in my 2nd extra bedroom of my house about to go to work at an amazingly wonderful job, and eat plentifully, I give thanks to God for his bountiful provision to me. Too often we are so concentrated on what we don't have, that we forget just exactly how MUCH we do have and who has provided it to us. Praise be to God! ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 9:1-10:11 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) After they conquered the promised land, what further danger would follow on the heels of victory? How does Moses in this passage seek to safeguard them against it? Cf Lk 18:9-14. 2) WHat does the example of Moses teach as to the responsibility and power of intercessory prayer? NOte the costly nature of his prayer and the uncomprimising dealing with sin that accompanied it. On what grounds did Moses base his plea for the people, and what was the outcome? Cf James 5:16. 3) The incident as a whole demonstrates that God's dealings with His people are entirely of grace. It thus illustrates aspects of the saving grace of God revealed in the NT. Try to discover how the following points are illustrated in this chapter: a) the combination of grace and justice(Rom 3:24-26);b) the triumph of grace over sin(Eph 2:5;Rom 5:20,21) c) the provision of a mediator(Heb 8:6,9:15)d) the establishment of a covenant (1cor 11:25). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 9:1-10:11 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- We see Moses here as an intercessor for the Israeltes. Astonishing that he laid prostrate 40 days and nights before the Lord on behalf of the "stiff-necked" people! In the end, the Lord decides to forgive the people - His Grace prevails. How great are the mercies of the Lord our God. And now Jesus, the true Savior, intercedes on our behalf to Father God. We are truly saved by GRACE and FAITH IN HIM. When faced with this great mercy, how should we respond? Regarding forgiving others, Jesus said, Lk. 17:4, "If he sins against you seven times in a day, and...returns to you, saying, "I repent," YOU SHALL FORGIVE HIM. Father, help us to show mercy to others because we have received it ourselves. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 9:1 - 10:11 Merciful and faithful God God is faithful to keep His promises and covenants. In turn, He demands us to be faithful to keep His commandments. Chapter 9 emphasizes this concept by reviewing the history how the merciful and faithful God is dealing with His stiff necked people. God instructed us to observe (8:1), remember (8:2), to consider and keep (8:5) His commandments. And above all, beware (8:11) the consequences of disobedience. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) After conqeuering the promised land, Moses feared the people would become self-righteous. Luke 18:9-14 show us justification by faith. 9 ¶ And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 "The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: 'God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 'I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.' 13 "But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!' 14 "I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted." 2) Moses relates his story of intercessory prayer for the people. When a person who is called of God prays for others in intercession, they can be a powerful force. James 5:16 show us the power of intercession: 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. 3) We see here the idea of saving grace given in the NT. The combination of grace and justice, the triumph of grace over sin, the provision of a mediator, and the establishment of a covenant. Rom 5:20-21 tells us: 20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 10:12-11:32 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) What specifically are the attributes and ways of God particularized in 10:12- 11:12 and what are their corresponding demands? 2) What rewards and punishments for obedience and disobedience are specified in 11:13-32? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 10:12-11:32 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- From "seventy" forefathers who went down into Egypt to "as numerous as the stars in the sky", that is how the children of Israel multiplied. God kept His promise to Abraham! I find the warnings especially important, v16, "BE CAREFUL, OR YOU WILL BE ENTICED TO TURN AWAY AND WORSIP OTHER GODS AND BOW DOWN TO THEM." Today we are just as pagan, if not more, than the Israelites. Many of us spend hours watching movies, listening to music, etc., rather than devoting ourselves to the Lord. We bow down to so many "idols" each day. We must BE CAREFUL. Even e-mail or friends can become an idol, if it occupies our mind or time too much. I John 5:7, "Dear children, Keep YOURSELVES from idols." It is a choice to cast worthless idols away and turn our eyes upon Jesus. May we learn to be steadfast! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 10:12 - 11:32 Conditions of Blessings and Curses Moses spoke to the sons of those who came out of Egypt; not only to those who knew God and His Commandments but also as a witness of His greatness, might, outstretch arm of power, signs and works. At the end of his life, he reminded them of what he received from God - the Ten Commandments, just before the entering and possessing of the land, 11:7-8. It is a land of hills and valleys, and getting drinking water from the rain of heaven, a land the Lord cares for and His eyes are always on it, 11:11. The Lord promised for rain, grain, new wine, oil, grass in the field for their cattle and for them to eat and be satisfied (11:14), if they listen obediently to His commandments to love the Lord and serve Him, 11:13. Or (otherwise) anger would be against them, shutting up the heaven, no rain, no fruit and they would perish quickly, 11:17. Therefore, they were demanded to impress the word on their hearts and on their souls, bind on their hands and on their foreheads, 11:28. As Christians, we need not only believe in Him but also identify ourselves and separate ourselves from the worldly people. We need to practice our faith and stdy the word in our families. So that, 11:21, the days shall be multiplied. Other nations will be driven out of your land, 11:23. And your territory be expanded, 11:24. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In this first section there are several requirements for serving God. These include: fearing God to walk in His ways, serving God with all your hear and soul, and keeping His commandments. v 20-21 20 "You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name. 21 "He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen. God's nature demands our fear, service, and praise. Great is the Lord! 2) In 11:13-32 rewards and punishments are spelled out. These rewards and punishments relate to everything from good harvests and rains to conquering the land. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Deuteronomy) CHAPTER 12-13 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) How does chapter 12 relate to the first commandment and chapter 13 to ethe second? 2) How do the regulations of chp13 demonstrate the priority of God's will over alleged 'results', respect of persons, ties of blood and great nubmers? Cf Mk 13:22;Gal 1:8;2:11; Lk 14:26;Acts 4:19,20. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Deuteronomy) Chapter 12-13 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Idolatry and evil practices or those who influenced others towards them were intolerable. The Israelites also had to be careful to follow every command of the Lord. The major point that strikes me is v31, "YOU MUST NOT WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD IN THEIR WAY, BECAUSE IN WORSHIPING THEIR GODS, THEY DO ALL KINDS OF DETESTABLE THINGS THE LORD HATES." It is reminiscent of Esau, who offered the Lord a sacrifice that he thought was fitting, but not what God had designated - a sacrificial lamb. Esau was fleshly, and tried to approach God in his own way. Likewise, we cannot invent a way; Jesus Christ is THE WAY to approach God. (John 14:6) -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Deuteronomy 12 and 13 Other gods Be Destroyed The Lord gave the promised land to the Israelites for them to destroy other gods on that land. When they were in the wilderness, "--- every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes", 12:8. The Lord instructed them clearly that it should not be the case when they took over Canaan - They should destroy the pagan altars, centralize their worship, to kill the idolaters and their cities. Because the Lord our God would not tolerate other gods. He is the source of life and we should not eat bloody flesh, 12:23, to honor Him as the source of life, the creator of the heavens and earth Who gives life. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Chp 12 talks about the need to worship God and only God. v28 sums up chp 12: 28 "Be careful to listen to all these words which I command you, so that it may be well with you and your sons after you forever, for you will be doing what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God. Chp 13 talks about bearing false witness. It speaks about the false testimony given by prophets. It makes me think of the hymn Jesus Only by A.B. Simpson Jesus Only is our message, Jesus all our theme shall be; We will lift up Jesus ever, Jesus only will we see. Jesus Only, Jesus ever, Jesus all in all we sing, Saviour, Sanctifier, and Healer, Glorious Lord and coming King. 2) Chp 13 shows us that We must follow God's will over all other things. v4 is the key: 4 "You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.